Gaylord Boosters continue top-notch service

April 01, 2011|Jim Ryan, Sports Assistant

HT - File photo

GAYLORD — In the days of budget cuts and economic issues, it is ever important to find that feel-good story, something that resonates of togetherness and community involvement. In a community such as Gaylord, these bits seem to come up all the time — a charity golf outing one week, a benefit dinner the next.

When it comes down to things such as sports, the community aspect is even more apparent. The Gaylord Athletics Boosters Club runs a year-round operation that keeps Gaylord’s youth on the field and best equipped as possible, even through tough times.

Headed by longtime booster president Don Klingler, the GHS boosters work year-in and year-out in conjunction with the Gaylord athletic department to ensure that all Blue Devils have the ability to compete in high school athletics. Aside from running basic operations such as concessions and fundraising, the Boosters provide for many of the needs that the GHS department simply can’t handle — allowing our teams to do what they have always done.

“In my nine years here, the booster leadership has been phenomenal,” GHS Athletic Director Christian Wilson said. “The time that they spend on all of this is amazing.”

In the past, things such as uniforms and basic equipment were to be provided by the athletic department. However, with athletic funds shrinking, the booster club has merged from more of a big-ticket purchasing power to a more general help, taking the strain off the administration by picking up many of the basic costs that pertain to the school-sponsored sports.

“As school funding has declined, many of the things the school used to be able to provide, such as newer uniforms or extra equipment needed in each individual program, started falling off the table. The booster club has now started picking up those things to help with each of the individual programs,” Klingler said.

The 11-person board donates an estimate of approximately $70,000 back to the athletic programs each year, according to Klingler. The bulk of their funds are funneled from membership dues, concessions, day-to-day operations, and most importantly, fundraising.

“Any time there are fundraisers or other opportunities we try our best to work together,” Wilson said.

“Things such as the annual golf outing and the Cash Bash, along with membership, are very big for us,” Klingler noted.

The Cash Bash is an annual event, which was held last weekend at the Eagles Hall. It is a fun way for both members and outside supporters to get involved and have a good time — raising money in the process. Throughout the night there is a dinner, silent auctions, a Deal or No Deal setup, and a reverse raffle. Last year, 120 participants showed up for the event.

Funds raised from events like these generate the capital that allows the club to not only provide $10 per athlete, per sport, but also create a budget to tackle larger projects.

“The booster club was originally set up to help with bigger projects such as irrigation on the fields and concession stand,” Klingler said. “The boosters purchased the indoor batting cages for baseball and softball just a year ago, and the weight room was updated with funding from the booster club.”

With the future hazy on exactly what the school system will be able to provide, pending potential additional budget cuts, it is possible that the booster club will take an even bigger role in putting teams on the field.

“Times are tough for a lot of people, and we know that,” Klingler said. “We are fortunate to have a community here that is very, very supportive of our local athletes and programs. Knowing the money situation is what it is, the Gaylord administration is very supportive. They wish they could give more to athletics and are just trying to walk that balance beam.”

Wilson echoed a similar sentiment when looking to the future.

“The hard part is that we don’t know what will be in store for athletics next year,” Wilson said. “Without the boosters we would be in much more dire financial straits.”

Nonetheless, the club is going to continue to tackle big projects, looking to replace and repair several aspects of GHS infrastructure.

“First and foremost, the wrestling mats in the wrestling room are in dire need of being replaced — they have been there since the school was built almost 20 years ago,” Wilson said.

“The decision was made for the dedication of funds towards major projects at our last meeting,” Klingler said, on a similar note.

He mentioned the wrestling mats as a top priority, as well as the practice soccer field sprinklers, football field press box and entrance area, and the institution of permanent bathrooms by the baseball and softball area.

When it all boils down, the booster club is providing for the needs of the GHS athletes — and then some. Regardless of tough financial times, and in conjunction with the GHS administration, the booster club is making a difference in the community.